Automatic lamp-adjuster.



- J. THOMAS. AUTOMATIC LAMP ADJUSTER.

APPLICATION FILED SEPT. 12,1912.

1,01,522, v Patented Dec 16, 1913. I3 .1

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Smueutoz John Tmmus ll/Il Wiimeooao (52 W MY W,

J. THOMAS.

AUTOMATIC LAMP ADJUSTER.

APPLICATION FILED sEPT.12,i912.

Patented Dec. 16, 19 13.

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av uemto'a John Thomas wi/hmeooeo AU MW,

n v ime SETS a rs 'rnonas, or KINGMAN, I1\IDIA1 \TA.

AUTOMATIC LAMP-ADJUSTER,

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Dec. 16,1913.

Application filed September 12, 1912. Serial No. 720,039. I

' and use the same.

This invention relates to a device or attachment for automatically operating the head-lights of automobiles by the action of the steering gear in such a manner that the curvesof a road may be illuminated as the course of the vehicle is changed.

The object of the invention is to produce an attachment which is simple in construction, durable and easy of attachment to the different makes of automobiles and other motor vehicles.

Another object of the invention is' to pro-f vide means whereby the vertical movement of the body in relation-to the running gear is compensated for and will not affect the movement-of the lamps.

With these and other objects in view, the invention consists of" certain novel. features ofconstruction, combination and arrangement of parts, as will be hereinafter more fully described and claimed.

In the accompanying drawings Figure 1 represents a front elevation of an automobile equipped with my improvement; Fig. 2 is'a top plan view of the axle and springs of an automobile, showing this improve ment applied; Fig. 3 is a transverse vertical section taken on-the line 3-3 of Fig. 2; Fig. 1 is an enlarged detail vertical section through one of the lamp posts; and Fig. 5 is a horizontal section through the same ost.

In the embodiment illustrated lamp forks 1 and 2 are shown provided with pivot stems or posts 3 and 4 journaled in bearings 5 secured to the side frames of the vehicle preferably on the outer sides thereof. The stem 3 is longer than stem 4: and fits in a sleeve or socket memberfi, which is journaled at its lower end in a bearing 7 on the stationary front axle 8 for a purpose to be described.

The front axle 8 has stub axles 9 pivotally mounted in forks 8' at the ends of the axle 8, and on which'the front wheels of the vehicle are journaled. Laterallyextending arms 10 are fixed to the hubs of the stub v axles 9 and extend in planes substantially at right angles to the stubaxles. The free ends of these arms 10 are pivotally-connected with a steering rod- 11 by means of which said axles are caused to turn in unison one in one direction andthe other in the opposite direction, said rod 11 being connected to any suitable means (not shown'.) for actuation by the steering wheel ofthe vehicle. A

bearing member 12 is adjustably mounted on the rod 11 with which a link 13 is, pivotally connected at one end. The other end of this link 13 is pivoted toan arm 14, which extends laterally from and is fixed to the sleeve 6 of the pivot stem 3 of the lamp fork 1 and by means of which said fork is turned simultaneously with the turning of the front or steering wheels of the vehicle in a direction to throw the rays of light from the lamp mounted on said fork 1 directly in the path of travel of said front wheels.

The forks 1 and 2 are provided with fixed laterally and rearwardly extending arms 15 and 16, the free ends of which are pivotally connected with a coupling rod 17, which causes the simultaneous turning of the lamp forks.

The sleeve 'or socket 6 has diametrically disposed open longitudinally extending slots 18 at its upper end which are sl idably engaged with laterally extending studs 4' on the stem 3, said stem projecting into said- 3 from, the frame of the machine with the remaining portions of said device remaining in a position to readily receive said parts that have been removed when occasion requires it.

It will thus be readily seen that a slight lateral movement of the steering rod 11 will turn the stub axles which carry the front of the socket and stem will also reciprocate the connecting rod 17 and thus turn the wheels of the vehicle and also the socket and stem connected with said rod. This turning lamps on their pivot mountings simultanetachment for automobiles comprising an upright sleeve longitudinally slotted at its upper end and having a lateral arm at its lower end adapted to be connected with the steering mechanism for the front Wheels of said automobile, a bearing for said sleeve adapted to be connected with the fixed portion OI the front axle, bearings adapted to be attached to the/ automobile frame above its springs, one of them directly above the bearing on the axle, two lamp-forks whose stems are rotatably mounted in said lastnamed bearings and one of which extends down into and fits slidably within said sleeve, a stud in this stem engaging the slot in the sleeve and causing said parts to rotate in unison, and connections between the two stems for causing them to turn in unison in their bearings. I

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand in presence of two subscribing witnesses. I

JOHN THOMAS.

Witnesses:

CHARLES R. DAVIS, JOHN H. DAVIS.

, M 'Copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Patents.

Washington, D. G. 

